 "Photo: Kyle Pezoldt")
It’s that time of year again. With January coming to a close, it can only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular holidays after Christmas. It’s a day for couples to celebrate their love for each other, more or less. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take the time to show your appreciation for your significant other every day. Valentine’s Day is simply a holiday made for couples.
Christmas and Valentine’s Day are my favorite holidays. Being in a relationship myself, Valentine’s Day always makes me very excited. It’s nice to go out to enjoy a nice dinner, followed by a movie, bowling, or some other fun activity. What makes it even more special is having someone to share it with.
Valentine’s Day was named for Saint Valentine, who was a priest in Rome. During his time, Emperor Claudius II felt that single men made better soldiers than those who were married and had children. It was then that the emperor outlawed marriage for young men. Saint Valentine defied the law, and married young lovers in secret. He was caught and later put to death.
It is said that the first ‘valentine’ greeting was sent by Saint Valentine himself. Before his death when he was in prison, he fell in love with a girl who was possibly the jailer’s daughter. Valentine’s letter was signed “From your valentine,” which is still used today. In the United States, the first Valentine’s Day greeting cards were made in the 1840s.
While I am a big fan of Valentine’s Day, not everyone feels the same way. “It’s a stupid holiday because people who aren’t in relationships are lonely,” said Heather Paulus, sophomore.
Brian Geslak, junior, said “It’s disappointing because it’s the only holiday that is based on something real, that got turned into a Halmark holiday.”
These students may hate the idea of Valentine’s Day, but for others, Valentine’s Day means a lot. “It makes me feel special when the guy plans a romantic setting and he makes you feel like you are the only girl he ever sees,” said Kathy Dutan, freshman.
Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is almost here. If you have someone special to share it with, make it one of the best days ever and enjoy the time you have. Don’t have someone? That’s ok. Grab a few of your friends, catch a movie, exchange valentines amongst yourselves, and go out somewhere anyway. Whatever you decide to do and no matter who you are with, make it a good Valentine’s Day.
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